Lovely Lamu

Lamu, on the Kenyan
coast, is a little like stepping back in time. Africa expert
Millie took a trip and found it to be as relaxed and friendly as
ever.

Manda Beach

I have been in Lamu now
for a few days and it is as lovely as ever, it's really great to be
here. I am staying in a wonderfully shabby chic old Shela villa
right on the water, full of character and history - as I write, I
am sitting on the roof terrace with a lovely breeze and a great
view over the Lamu Channel. Paradise!

I have visited the wonderful Manda beach, which whilst being
lovely and peaceful, with the waves lapping beneath your bedroom
window at night, it springs into action with the dawn call to
prayer, some very keen morning boatmen and donkeys fighting over
the pitiful scraps of greenery to snack. Life, and the general
atmosphere, in the village alleyways is as peaceful and calm as
ever.

Peponi

Peponi continues to be the social hub of the village and they
were pleased to see quite a gaggle of us there on Saturday night.
We had the most delicious Sunday lunch there yesterday too - melt
in your mouth tuna Carpaccio, grilled snapper coconut rice and a
gorgeous mango and ginger sorbet, all washed down with some very
refreshing white wine! We have certainly eaten like kings on this
trip. Carol and Lars remain at the helm, as they have done for the
last 35 years, and maintain a really great relationship with all
those in the village and are a key part of its charm. I'm off to
see their new Peponi apartments this afternoon which are meant to
be lovely.

Manda Bay

Yesterday we missioned off to Manda Bay for some snorkelling out
at Manda Toto - a little murky after the early short rains hit a
few days ago, but stunning long wall of reef to explore. Another
great lunch there and good to catch up with Andy Roberts there
about how things have been. He was positive, basically.

Lamu Town

This morning has been positively hard work! I went into Lamu town to have a look around
Lamu House which is really lovely. It's so beautifully done and
full of lovely bits and bobs. It's on the waterfront so it's not
claustrophobic and right in the thick of things - great fun. I've
spent much time here in the past and have had good chats with all
the good old expats here who are realistic about things, and I have
not felt remotely nervous AT ALL. All the same old faces, as
relaxed as ever, and everyone friendly and chatty! I just love it
here and the history and culture in town is great and the long
empty Shela beach as gorgeous as ever......and always a fascinating
bunch of characters at Peponi's bar!

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